He said the Chinese side explained the phytosanitary issues involved when they imposed the restriction but mentioned their openness to continue the importation.

"They said that this was part of their SPS or sanitary-phytosanitary protections for their domestic industry. Nonetheless, there was some mention of their continuing to be open to importing Philippine bananas. There was no talk at all about volumes, timetables, or such," he said.

China banned bananas from the Philippines in March, citing bug infestation. This was about a month before the standoff in the Scarborough Shoal took place. - With ANC